Country News

Buddy Holly Country Tribute CD Arriving Next Month

(Undated) -- Veteran country stars are working together to honor a rock pioneer. David Frizzell tells the "Lubbock Avalanche-Journal" the album "Buddy Holly Country Tribute: Remember Me" grew out of a request from The Ventures bassist Nokie Edwards, who asked him to write a birthday song for Buddy's widow. David says he came up with the tribute album as a vehicle to release the song. He adds that he had no problem getting others to join him. Frizzell recalls he brought the idea first to Merle Haggard, who didn't hesitate to say yes. Helen Cornelius, T.Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune, and The Crickets' Sonny Curtis also contribute to the disc. The Everly Brothers' Phil Everly was planning to participate as well, but passed away before recording his song. For the album Frizzell and Fortune team up on the Everly Brothers' classic "Walk Right Back" as a nod to Phil and Buddy's close friendship. The track also has a Crickets connection though Curtis, who wrote the song.

"Buddy Holly Country Tribute: Remember Me" will be released on September 7th, which would have been Buddy's 78th birthday. Frizzell officially announced the album Tuesday in Buddy's hometown of Lubbock, Texas. He'll also host an event with all the performers on the disc in Nashville on August 26th.